Tag Archives: rainbarrels

How about adding a field of native grasses and flowers to your landscaping to eliminate mowing? Or really planning to preserve what’s already on your property – tree for shade and natural streams – and then adding plants that will serve to feed yourself, the soil and insects?

That was the subject of last night’s presentation at the Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS). GAINS is a group of business professionals who promote sustainability efforts in Akron.

The presentation, Paint Your Lawn Green – Sustainable Landscaping Techniques, was given by married couple and business partners, Samuel L. Salsbury, FAPLD, and Sabrena Schweyer, FAPLD, of Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc.

We learned from Samuel that having a combined sewer overflow system (rainwater and sewer), like ours here in Akron, means that in heavy storms, the combination rainwater and sewer flows into our rivers – contaminating them. Until such time as infrastructures can be built to store overflow water until it can be treated, it helps to be able to keep rainwater on your property, through rain gardens, wetlands, green roofs and rainwater harvesting (rain barrels), which can provide bioswales and help reduce overflow problems.

From Sabrena, we learned that certain plants and grasses can help with the absorption of rainwater. We also learned that we should copy the beauty of a natural landscape. After all, nature doesn’t plant in solid masses, so diversify. Plant in layers for direct benefit to humans, plant in areas of direct benefit to soil and wildlife, and choose plants that serve multiple purposes.

It’s called permaculture. It’s all about rethinking design, say these experts, and living more gently and in harmony with the earth. Do this instead of only inventing gadgets that, yes, aim to help but put only a band-aid on the larger environmental problems at hand – namely global warming.

But what will the neighbors or homeowner’s association say about my tall native grass field?

Nothing if they’re serious about the environment and conservation, and Samuel and Sabrena have had these conversations before – they won.

Meanwhile, this type of landscaping it is exactly what the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency advocates when it comes to the Conservation Reserve Program. In fact, the photo for this blog was taken from the USDA FSA Conservation Programs site, and it included this caption: Small CRP field enhanced with native grasses and flowers makes a lovely addition to the neighborhood.

It’s time for creative thinking in landscape design. I invite you to check out the site, and especially the portfolio page of Salsbury-Schweyer, Inc. You will absolutely fall in love with the natural beauty.

Thank you to GAINS for allowing me to talk about the Summit of Sustainability.

The Summit Soil & Water Conservation District is now accepting orders for the tree and shrub seedlings, as a part of an annual program that the District has been offering for more than 50 years. As in the past, bulk evergreen seedlings including Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, and white pine will be offered. In addition, bulk deciduous trees including Persimmon and Pawpaw and a variety of hardwood tree and shrub packets, consisting of native or naturalized plants suited to northeast Ohio’s soil and climate conditions will be available. For specific information and to place your order refer to the order form.

Click on picture to see a brochure on rainbarrels.

Two types of wildflower packets will also be offered including the Northeast Annual and Perennial Wildflower Mix and the Bird and Butterfly Seed Mix. Both are 1 oz. packets that will cover approximately 250 square feet.

Also available from the Summit SWCD are the 55 gallon rain barrels. Each barrel will come ready to install with a spigot and overflow pipe. All you need to provide is your own downspout diverter. The cost for the rainbarrel is $80.00. A linking barrel for extra storage is available for $50.00.

To order your plant materials and/or rainbarrel, please see the order form, fill it out and return to the Summit SWCD Office along with your payment.